F1: Canadian Latifi named as Renault test driver

Paris, France - Canadian Nicholas Latifi was on Monday named as the new test driver for the Renault Sport Formula 1 team.

The 20-year-old will take part in an extensive development programme as well as "at least one free practice session" in 2016, the team said.

New test role

Latifi is preparing for his first full GP2 campaign with championship winners DAMS and will combine his season with a new test role with the French manufacturer.

"Nicholas is a fast developing young talent who has competed in a diverse selection of championships in his short career to date," said Renault's Racing Director Frdric Vasseur.

"We are excited at the prospect of nurturing him into a Formula 1 ready entity at such a dynamic time for the team."

The Toronto native has never won a race in Formula 3 or in Formula Renault 3.5, finishing on the podium once in 2014.

"There's a lot of history behind the Renault name in F1, so to be a part of that, and get the chance to learn from them and gain expertise in a full factory team, is really going to help my development," said Latifi.